Labor must not capitulate to Trump’s corporate tax haven plan

The Greens have called on the Albanese Government to reaffirm their commitment to the global minimum tax agreement and use their position in the G20 to advocate for US companies to remain subject to the tax.  

“Trump is trying to turn the US into a tax haven for his corporate mates, and we shouldn’t dance to his tune,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Labor needs to hold the line. One in three big corporations already pays zero tax in Australia. That situation cannot be allowed to become even worse.”

Last term, the Greens supported laws to implement part of the global minimum tax, aimed at stopping corporate giants from shifting profits offshore to dodge tax.

“American companies no longer being subject to global minimum tax laws could have serious budget consequences for Australia.”

“Labor must use their position at the G20 to call out this move by the US and defend the principle that big corporations should pay tax where they make their profits.”

“This is about fairness. It’s about whether governments run the country, or billionaire CEOs and the political cronies they bankroll.”

Member for Balmain rejects inquiry recommendation to privatise Callan Park

Kobi Shetty MP has today called on the Minns Labor Government to reject a recommendation to privatise Callan Park.

Ms Shetty has made these comments on the back of a review of the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022 that was tabled in Parliament today.

Kobi Shetty MP

Callan Park is one of the most significant parklands in the inner west. For more than 20 years our community has worked incredibly hard to preserve Callan Park as public green space and community asset. Time after time our community has had to fend off moves to allow for the commercialisation and privatisation of Callan Park, and this is the latest iteration.

The whole point of the Callan Park Act was to save the park from privatisation, and to ensure it is never again proposed as a site for profit-driven development. Any moves to wind back the Act’s protections are of grave concern. The review committee has absolutely got it wrong on this.

Allowing the Minister to sign off on 50-year leases that can effectively cut the community out of the park without any public scrutiny would be a terrible outcome.

My community believes that Callan Park should be reserved for education, health and creative not-for-profit uses for the community. Government can, and must, maintain not-for-profit activity while securing funds from external sources for larger upkeep costs like much-needed heritage conservation work in the iconic Kirkbride precinct.

This argument that the park needs commercial investment in order to be maintained is simply not true. There are literally dozens of not-for-profit agencies who are willing to take Kirkbride on. This would save the government millions and ensure the place is kept in good order, while keeping it open for our community to enjoy. I’ve presented these suggestions directly to the Premier, and now it’s time that Premier Minns and his government take them seriously, instead of opening the floodgates to commercial interests.

This week we are celebrating another significant investment in Callan Park, which is on top of the millions put up in the last term by the coalition. The former government’s Landscape Structure Plan sets out a blueprint for revitalisation and now we just need to get on with the job.

Background

Callan Park, Rozelle is in the heart of the Balmain electorate. It contains 61 hectares of open and accessible green space in one of the most densely populated parts of Sydney, and where public open space is in short supply.

The Joint Select Committee on the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust has handed down its review of the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022. The report makes 26 recommendations including that the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act be amended to:

  • remove provisions that limit development in Callan Park to not-for-profit purposes
  • extend the maximum term of leases and licenses to 50 years
  • remove the requirement for a notice of a proposed lease or license totalling more than 10 years to be tabled in both Houses of Parliament
  • provide that the public notice requirements for proposed leases and licenses only apply to leases of licenses totalling more than five years

Violent assault by Police at anti-genocide action: Escalating police violence against protest

A peaceful picket at SEC Plating in Belmore descended into violence when the NSW Police violently attacked and assaulted protestors this morning, leaving one woman with serious facial injuries and arresting multiple demonstrators.

SEC Plating reportedly is involved in providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets. The State of Israel’s fleet of around 40 F-35 rely on the global supply chain and supplement supply from countries like Australia to continue the genocide against the Palestinian people.

Peter O’Brien Lawyers have been engaged to represent the community member that was assaulted, along with other members of the community who were arrested and currently being held in custody after witnessing the assault. Images seen by Senator David Shoebridge and Sue Higginson MLC show the shocking extent of the injuries experienced, they have been reserved by the victim of the assault. The victim of the assault is undergoing medical tests this morning, and the extent of the injuries may require facial reconstruction surgery.

Greens MP and NSW Justice Spokesperson Sue Higginson said:

“The actions of the NSW Police can only be described as brutal and excessive, there is a significant question about the lawfulness of what they have done to members of the community exercising their rights of assembly this morning,”

“I have spoken with the people in police custody this morning, in my legal capacity, and they can not believe what they saw happen to the individual who has sustained serious injury as a result of the excessive police force,”

“Premier Chris Minns must answer for his empowerment of the NSW Police State against protest, with his Labor Government continuing the vilification and targeting of community members who are taking a stand against the ongoing genocide being committed against the Palestinian People,”

“If the NSW Police feel empowered to violently and brutally assault members of the community engaging in lawful and legitimate protest, then it is the responsibility of our democratic Government to call this out, and to act to protect protest,”

“This news this morning is part of a wider trend in NSW towards an authoritarian state, where the NSW Police are deployed against innocent people with the intent to chill and intimidate people who are exercising what should be an guaranteed right to all people living in a democracy – the right to protest and express political expression free from state violence,”

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:
“When police are deployed to protect weapons companies instead of protecting the right to peaceful protest, we must ask whose interests they are really serving.
“Police are being used here to support a corporate-run global weapons chain against a people-powered global peace movement.
“The arrest of multiple peaceful protesters who are calling for Australia to stop arming a genocide shows how far we’ve moved from protecting peaceful dissent.
“This morning is not isolated, we have seen a disturbing pattern of increased politically motivated violence from police against people peacefully protesting genocide.
“Anyone watching knows it’s wrong that police are violently arresting those calling for an end to genocide while simultaneously protecting the companies who profit from the killing.”

Rising Tide Organiser Zack Schofield (also arrested) said:

“The State of NSW, and Premier Chris Minns, cannot arrest their way through community who are engaging in legitimate political expression against genocide. I witnessed the brutal assault against a community member this morning, someone who was lawfully expressing themselves in public, and it was sickening,”

Crisis in State of the Environment Report

The NSW Government has today tabled the 2024 State of the Environment Report , just under eight months after it was due to be released. The delayed report has confirmed that the natural systems in NSW that we all rely on are continuing to decline, and comes just one day after the Government revealed they underspent on environment protection by $446 million in the last year.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment and climate change said “This report paints a catastrophic picture of just how badly the Minns Labor Government is performing when it comes to our precious, life-giving and supporting environment,”

“The biodiversity crisis has continued unabated in NSW, despite Premier Chris Minns promising to halt extinction in NSW. With 36 new species added to the threatened species list since 2020 and a shocking 5% increase in the number of animal species threatened with extinction. In addition to this report, the Government has categorically failed to act on their election commitment to protect and create the Great Koala National Park, with logging in those forests still occurring at higher rates than under the last Government,”

“With average temperatures in NSW already 1.4 degrees celsius above earliest records, we can assume with confidence that this means our state is already living beyond the 1.5 degrees that was legislated as a target less than two years ago. The revelations that sea levels have risen by 12 centimetres in 30 years pales compared to the existential threat posed by the likely additional one metre sea level rise predicted by the report between now and the end of the century,”

“Our regions and agricultural districts are in serious decline on almost all measures too, significant losses to woody and non-woody native vegetation, increasing rates of soil acidification, and plummeting levels of organic carbon in our soil. These indicators will have serious consequences for our ability to grow food and fibre across NSW, along with the dire consequences for the natural world,”

“We should all be furious at the NSW Government underspending on environment protection by $446 million. It’s a clear sign that they are just not taking this crisis seriously. They have spent the lowest proportion on environment protection of any Government since at least 2016, and the results today in this report show what their disregard has bought,”

“Of the 70 key indicators covered in this report, just 7 of them show any improvement. The number of indicators that are going backwards is more than three times higher with close to double remaining unknown,”

“This must be a wake up call for Premier Chris Minns and his whole Government. If they do not commit to turning this around, with resources commensurate with that target, we will continue to see a decline in our own environment, and the entire natural world in NSW. I have come to realise this city based, city focussed Labor Party is not getting it. When our Country suffers, we all suffer,” Ms Higginson said.

Safe drinking water is a human right

Background

There are currently no enforceable drinking water quality standards throughout the Northern Territory. People living in many remote communities have no right to clean drinking water and no mechanisms to seek improvements to drinking water quality. 

In estimates the Health Minister Steve Edgington revealed that the CLP government is not continuing work started by the previous Labor government to develop a safe drinking water act. 

The NT Greens call on the government to urgently recommence work with the Department of Health to develop a clear and enforceable regulatory framework that guarantees a right to clean drinking water and has mechanisms in place for action if water quality standards are not met. We also call on the federal government to work with the NT Government to ensure that every person living in the NT is guaranteed this most fundamental human right.

Jonathan Parry, Convenor of the NT Greens

“Access to safe, clean and adequate drinking water is a fundamental human right. It is a national shame that this is not upheld in the Northern Territory” 

“The town you live in shouldn’t determine whether you get access to safe drinking water.”

“We call on the government to enshrine the rights of all Territorians to clean drinking water in law.” 

NT Government walks away from climate targets

Background

In Budget estimates last week, Minister for the Environment Josh Burgoyne revealed that the Finocchiaro government has walked away from its commitment to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030. The commitment was initially confirmed by Jo Hersey MLA in her capacity as Shadow Minister for the Environment in a letter to the Environment Centre of the NT. 

However when questioned on the target by the Member for Gwoja, Chansey Paech MLA, Minister Burgoyne said that the target “is not current government policy.” He also said that the net zero by 2050 target is still in place and “has yet to change”, leaving the door open for it to be scrapped also. He said that the NT is a “relatively small emitter”, and that we must make the most of “opportunities” such as the Beetaloo Basin. This ignores the immense risk and cost of climate change to the NT arising from the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, health issues arising from extreme heat, damage to the tourism industry, and so much more. 

During Budget Estimates, the Chief Minister, the Treasurer and the Deputy Chief Minister (who is also the Minister for Mining and the Minister for Agriculture) said that they accept the science of climate change. However when further questioned by the Member for Nightcliff, Kat McNamara MLA, it became clear that they have no plans to systematically assess and respond to climate risks to our community, our economy or our environment. 

At the 2024 Northern Territory Election, the Minister for the Environment came within 350 votes of losing his seat to the Greens candidate Asta Hill. There is a loud demand for climate action in the Minister’s own electorate, yet he has continually weakening protections for the environment, climate and cultural heritage. 

The Northern Territory is on the frontline of the climate catastrophe. The NT must urgently develop and implement plans to mitigate and adapt to climate change so that we can ensure our home is resilient and liveable into the future. The NT Greens call on the Finocchiaro and Albanese governments to stop approving new gas projects and urgently invest in renewable energy and environmental protection and restoration. 

Jonathan Parry, Convenor of the NT Greens

“The CLP has backflipped on yet another election promise. Nothing they say can be trusted.”

“The CLP only listens to their mates in the gas industry, not the community.”

“The CLP government and Federal Labor must urgently stop approving new fossil fuel projects.”

“We need to take this seriously to ensure the NT is safe and liveable into the future.”

Kat McNamara MLA, Member for Nightcliff

“It is a disgrace that in 2025 we are still debating whether or not to have climate targets.”

“This is indicative of a government who is so driven ideologically to oppose the international scientific consensus on climate change, that they would rather let the territory be destroyed by climate change than do anything about it.”

First development to benefit from Labor’s affordable housing reforms officially opens

A North Strathfield development has become the first to deliver homes using the extra height and floor space offered under the Minns Labor Government’s infill affordable housing bonus.

The project delivered 29 affordable homes and 143 market homes, making the most of the policy to put roofs over the heads of families, essential workers and others in need of housing.

The Minns Labor Government’s infill affordable housing bonus allowed the project to build 41 extra homes with an additional 25 affordable homes. The original scope was 131 apartments with 4 affordable homes but the bonus allowed for 172 homes with 29 affordable homes.

Developments like this one from Urban Property Group which marry market and affordable homes are crucial to our state’s housing future, delivering homes in places that people want to live and work.

The Infill Affordable Housing bonus is a key part of the Minns Labor Government’s new housing reforms and offers height and floor space bonuses of up to 30% for residential developments when at least 10-15% of their total gross floor area is offered as affordable housing.

The reform is aimed at delivering more affordable housing where it is needed and this project is evidence of the reforms are driving real outcomes which will improve housing supply right across NSW.

The schemes’ state significant development pathway has now attracted proposals for more than 9,200 market and affordable homes, in addition to almost 4,000 which have already been approved. 

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

For more information visit the In-fill affordable housing web page.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This is a major milestone but it’s also only the beginning of our housing policies and reforms delivering tangible outcomes for the people of NSW.

“We’ve made affordable housing a priority, so people on low and moderate incomes have a chance of living in all parts of our cities.

“For too long planning reform has been put in the too hard basket, but we’re committed to delivering more homes for young people and families that have been locked out of housing.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is a clear example of how smart planning incentives can drive real results.

“Today 172 homes have been delivered in North Strathfield as a direct result of the Minns Labor Governments infill affordable housing bonus.

“We’re a government focused on outcomes and getting 172 new keys in new doors is a demonstration of our reforms delivering real results.” 

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“This is our housing reform in action. More affordable homes, delivered now. That’s the difference a Labor government serious about tackling the housing crisis makes.

“We’ve made it clear…If you want to build more affordable homes, this Government will back you. These are our reforms doing exactly what we said they would.

“We are delivering the biggest housing reforms in a generation, building the homes NSW needs for the people who need them. These aren’t just numbers. They’re roofs over heads, they’re security and they’re hope. That’s what these reforms are all about.”

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This project is tangible example of the Minns Labor government enabling private industry to deliver more homes for the people of NSW.

“We cannot meet housing demands without working to enable private industry which is why initiatives like the affordable housing bonus are so crucial to getting keys in doors.”

Albanese Government supporting Pacific partners through investment in regional maritime security

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to double funding for the aerial surveillance component of the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP).

The PMSP aerial surveillance program supports maritime security for our Pacific partners through the provision of fixed-wing aerial surveillance capabilities and uncrewed aerial vehicles.

Defence has recently closed a Request for Tender process to procure the Enhanced Aerial Surveillance Program’s civilian-based fixed-wing aerial surveillance contracted services. 

The Government will now consider all tender submissions and provide an outcome to industry on completion of the process.

The PMSP is Australia’s 30-year commitment to investing in maritime security partnerships throughout the Pacific.

To learn more about the PMSP, visit: https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/programs-initiatives/pacific-engagement/maritime-capability

Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:

“Australia is proud to be a security partner of choice for Pacific countries.

“This is another step forward in increasing regional security and enhancing coordination and communication in conjunction with our Pacific partners.”

Australia deepens collaboration with NATO and takes further action to hold Russia to account

The Albanese Government is deepening Australia’s cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and taking further action to support Ukraine and hold Russia to account for its illegal and immoral war.

During the NATO Leaders’ Summit in The Hague, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, announced Australia will make a further contribution to NATO operations in support of Ukraine.

At the request of NATO and Poland, a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft will deploy to Europe in August to help protect a vital international gateway for humanitarian and military assistance into Ukraine. 

Under Operation Kudu, up to 100 ADF personnel will deploy alongside the aircraft. The aircraft deployment is expected to conclude by November 2025.

This deployment of ADF aircraft and personnel complements Australia’s overall support to Ukraine of more than $1.5 billion since the start of Russia’s invasion.

As part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing work to hold Russia to account for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, Australia has also today imposed another wave of sanctions designed to further weaken Russia’s war economy.

This includes new targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 37 individuals, and targeted financial sanctions on seven entities. 

These sanctions target Russia’s defence, energy, transport, insurance, electronics and finance sectors, as well as promulgators of Russian disinformation and propaganda.

During the Summit, Australia also signed an agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO). The NSPO Agreement strengthens Australia’s cooperation with NATO partners on capability acquisition, systems support and logistics.

Under the agreement, the Australian Defence Force will be able to gain access to collaborative procurement efforts with NATO partners. 

The new partnership also unlocks wider opportunities for Australian defence industry to access new markets across NATO supply chains.

\Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Australia is proud of its longstanding operational partnership with NATO.

“The deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft will again showcase our ability to operate from Europe, alongside NATO and partners, in support of Ukraine and international peace and security.

“Signing the NSPO Agreement opens the door to new partnerships for us to deliver capability and operational responsiveness for the Australian Defence Force.”

\Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and in our commitment to a com-prehensive, just and lasting peace.

“Our targeted sanctions reflect our close coordination with key NATO partners, including the UK, Canada and the European Union. 

“Australia has now imposed more than 1,500 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We will continue to work with partners to disrupt Russia’s ability to fund its illegal and immoral war.”
 

Australia to boost support for Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Solomon Islands

Australia will boost support for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Solomon Islands as part of ongoing cooperation and commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

As a founding member of the PIF, Australia is committed to working with the Pacific family.

At the request of the Solomon Islands Government, Australia will provide a comprehensive support package, both for the hosting of this important regional meeting and to bolster the enduring capability of Solomon Islands. This package includes the provision of approximately 60 security vehicles, support for cybersecurity, upgrades to Honiara’s roads, and approximately $3 million for logistics support.

This support will ensure the meeting delivers progress on the region’s priorities and positions Solomon Islands to drive greater regional coordination and unity for the year ahead.

Australia continues to be the Pacific’s largest development partner, and security partner of choice. Australia’s support is focussed on inclusive economic growth, sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills, and connectivity. We recognise our role in contributing to a stronger Pacific family and upholding our common values so we can all make our own decisions as strong sovereign nations, free to grow and live together peacefully.

The PIF Leaders’ Meeting in September will be an opportunity to work together to seize new opportunities and overcome shared challenges.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong:

“In times of global uncertainty, the Pacific Islands Forum unites our region and makes us stronger.

“It is key to realising Pacific leaders’ vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific region.

“We look forward to Solomon Islands taking on the leadership of this important institution and are committed to supporting Prime Minister Manele and his government to build a stronger, more united Blue Pacific Continent.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, The Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The Pacific is best served by Pacific-led institutions and processes.

“Our support will ensure the meeting delivers progress on the region’s priorities and positions Solomon Islands to drive greater regional coordination and unity for the year ahead.

“Australia’s commitment to Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific is steadfast. We are stronger together.”